WE ARE ONE malawi - BLOG

Back to school

2011-11-23T07:41:04Z

School has started in Malawi! This is the hottest season of the year, with no air-conditioners available to alleviate heat from classrooms.

Hamilton and Humphrey are in their third year of high school at Bambino Secondary School in Lilongwe. Their current international curriculum originates from the United Kingdom. Their school partners with the German government and German, French, English and Chechewa are taught in order to give the students a flavor of the world. Their entry into this school is due to their high academic performance, English ability and outstanding behavior.

Happy and Eston are also in their third year of high school, attending a well-known school in Mzuzu called Vipya. They have both been chosen to serve as leaders in their youth group and enjoy different activities, especially soccer.

Harrison, another 3rd year student, excels in music. He sings in the Praise Team at church and has also been chosen as the Chairperson for his Youth group. He attends Wukani Educational Facility in Mzuzu.

Raphael, Benson and David also attend Wukani and are in their first year of High School. They all achieved well on their 8th grade exams and are working hard on their studies--sometimes getting up at 4AM to study! They all enjoy playing soccer and other sports.

Eli, Stanley and Adamson are in 8th grade at the village school in Kande Beach. They’ve had some setbacks and struggles academically, and repeated a grade to ensure they are ready for high school. We are providing a tutor and extra lessons, hoping that they will be able to catch up to their brothers and move forward. Moffat’s brother, Edward, and his wife are caring for them.

Uledi continues to excel at Blantyre International University, serving as the President of the Student Body. On his last visit, we asked him what he'd learned while living with us. He said, “I learned the value of being a good boy, not wasting my time or money, smoking, drinking or chasing girls. I know that you have invested in my future and I want to make sure that I do everything to ensure that I will succeed.” He's now tutoring children part-time for a nonprofit organization, so he can afford some of his own expenses. We are so proud of who he has become, and thank ALL of you for helping to support his education.

Thanks as always for supporting us. We always need more help to afford all the tuition fees, books, uniforms, food, transportation. These boys are quickly showing their potential as leaders of Malawi, and we want to keep them on this path. Please give whatever you can--see our DONATION PAGE to see how far your money goes!

An educational getaway

2011-08-11T05:40:51Z

On July 20th—the day when demonstrations and violence were occurring in the cities of Malawi—our family was blessed to be experiencing a holiday/educational trip. Please view additional photos of the trip on Facebook.

We visited Kasungu National Park where we had a picnic and hiked with a forest ranger, armed with a rifle in case we encountered a ferocious lion. Fortunately or unfortunately— depending on your point of view—we only saw monkeys, crocodiles and many trees.

We traveled on to Nkhotakota Pottery Lodge (where our friends from America stayed during their 2008 visit) to enjoy beautiful Lake Malawi, delicious meals, and creating pottery. The boys were able to make clay bowls on the wheel and paint an already-molded cup. A good time was enjoyed by all. These are wonderful memories that we will share forever and are thankful to many of you for sharing your resources to make this trip possible.

When the boys experience new and different things, their development is enlarged and expanded.
They will begin the school year in September in the following grades: Eston, Happy, Humphrey, Hamilton and Harrison as juniors in High-School; David, Raphael, Benson and Eli as freshmen; Adamson and Stanley as 8th Graders; and Uledi as a Junior in University. You will be investing in the future of Malawi if you assist with school fees for these boys and others who are looking for a bright future through education.

School needs for 2011-2012

2011-07-05T21:18:21Z

As you know, we weren't able to hold a fundraiser in 2011. This does not mean we don't have a need to raise funds!

The majority of our original 12 boys have moved out of the village to attend quality schools in Mzuzu, Lilongwe and Blantyre. All of these schools command high fees. Due to increasing costs of supporting our boys in high school, and three college students, we've had to reduce the number of our other scholarship students to five. We'd love to be able to support more students, but for the last couple years the gap between funds raised and funds needed is shrinking.

Fundraiser-free years like this are particularly problematic just to deal with the students we already have. Tuition costs keep rising, and the remaining funds from 2010 are stretched thin. We currently only have enough in our account to finish out 2011. When funds run out, programs get cut. The problem is, our "programs" are actually students. Some students may not be able to finish out their schooling. Some students may have to switch to the inadequate government schools.

Our current costs:

Private school in Mzuzu: $510 per year x 6 students
Boarding school in Lilongwe: $2,165 per year x 2 students
International-level universities: $2000 per year x 2 students
Junior college: $940 per year x 1 student
Government high school: $930 year total for 5 students

Although we had a very successful fundraiser in 2010, this total of $13,260 per year for all students combined only covers school fees. Other than the boarding school in Lilongwe, students still need food, clothing, school supplies, which certainly adds up. We also try to take the boys on occasional educational trips, but even with a strict budget, we have a lot of boys!

We are striving to ensure school fees are not another barrier for these students to maintain focus and finish their education. Any amount you can donate will help! WE ARE ONE, as a registered 501(c)3 organization, helps us invest in the future of our country.

You can donate easily and quickly online using Network for Good. You'll receive a tax receipt by email.

We are also happy to take your tax-deductible donations by mail:

WE ARE ONE Malawi c/o Kip Myers (check payable to WE ARE ONE)
305 Bergen Street Apt. #1D
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Thank you as always for all your help!

A new reason to help

2011-06-02T20:00:22Z

At midnight on March 23rd, 4 men entered our bedroom wielding machetes. They stole the equivalent of $1000 in cash as well as a great deal of our more valuable possessions, such as cell phones, our camera, shoes, our laptop, watches, and billfolds. Even Moffat's driver's license will take approximately $100 to replace. It quickly became clear they intended to kill us because they were completely unconcerned that we could see their bare faces. They beat up Moffat and his brother Chimwemwe, and severely injured our night watchman who's been with us for 7 years.

Throughout the ordeal, we held on to our inner peace and did our best to create a calm atmosphere. The men were unlikely to be part of the community we work in as they didn't know or recognize us. But as we talked gently to them--assuring them that God still loves them despite their actions, explaining that Moffat and I are pastors--they eventually backed off from their ultimate plan.

The police think the thieves tracked me home from the bank after I'd made a large withdrawal. This withdrawal was intended to pay for a week's worth of materials and labor for the community center we've been building since the end of 2010. We are saddened that the work had to be put on hold until we can gather more funds.

The community center's foundation has been laid next to the big, beautiful church that Moffat designed himself, and will reflect a similar design. We intend to use this space for youth activities, weddings, town meetings, etc--although it's located next to the church, it will be used for a variety of purposes.

We truly need the help of our friends at this time. This is the ideal season in Malawi for construction work, but the work cannot continue until we have the funds.

BUILDING COSTS
1 bag of cement: $20
1 truckload of bricks: $60
Truck rental: $60
1 week of labor: $150

The roof alone may cost around $10,000. With $20,000 in hand, we could potentially finish the building in three months. If we could collect even half the funds this summer, we can at least get started. Any small amount would be greatly appreciated--this would mean so much to the people of Mzuzu.

Rainy season starts in November, so we'd love to get the maximum time possible out of the dry season. Please donate whatever you can by JULY 30TH to help us finish as much of the building as we can before the rains start! Thank you for your support!

We are also happy to take your tax-deductible donations by mail:

WE ARE ONE Malawi c/o Kip Myers (check payable to WE ARE ONE)
305 Bergen Street Apt. #1D
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Please donate to We Are One!

2011-05-12T21:23:42Z

Those of you who have supported us in the past already know this, but We Are One Malawi's fundraising work is carried out by a TINY group of volunteers. Unfortunately, this year the tiny group is unable to organize either a spring or holiday fundraiser. That doesn't mean our kids don't still have needs, however! School fees keep rising, and the WAO budget is strained as more and more kids enter high school, private middle school, or university. In a sense, it's a wonderful problem to have, but we could really use your help.

You've all been so generous over these last few years! Please consider making another tax-deductible donation in 2011. We take online payments as well as checks!

We hope to have some updates posted in the next few weeks, such as current pictures of our boys and news from their schools.

Uledi Banda, president

2011-02-27T16:50:27Z

Hi dear friends,

Just wanted to let you know that Uledi Banda, another boy beyond our 12 that we have raised for 10 years and that now we are sponsoring to go to Blantyre International University, was elected to the post of President of his Student Body. This is quite an accomplishment for several reasons: he is only a sophomore and was running against others who were older than himself; he had no funds for campaigning, while others were spending quite a lot; he is already spending a lot of his time as a member of several organizations, as well as volunteering at an orphanage. As you can imagine, we are very proud of him and see this as a first step for him as he grows into more leadership opportunities. It is also great because he is an example for all the other boys on what you can accomplishment through hard work, discipline and good character (as well as a great sense of humor!)

Thanks to Tim Ayers who contributed to his welfare by giving in the name of a friend who was getting married. That also encouraged him a great deal, to know that you care!

Holiday update for 2010!

2010-12-10T05:54:23Z

I often say that I now live in the "land of the giants". Most of the twelve boys we are raising are my height or taller. It is truly amazing that because of nutritional food and nurturing -- they have grown and developed physically to their potential. We have carefully and consciously steered them away from salt and sugar, since high blood pressure and sugar diabetes are two of the predominant illnesses in Malawi. We have also encouraged good behavior and rewarded high achievements in education. Most importantly, though, we have shown them love.

]]> 2010 was difficult for some of the boys who, unfortunately, suffered mumps and measles. Vaccines were not available when they were young boys, so when the epidemic hit, we were confronted with experiencing these diseases. Some children in Malawi died when they became ill with these, so we are thankful that all our boys survived, even though it was painful for them.

Every night after we finish eating supper with the boys, we ask the "question of the day". This gives each boy an opportunity to practice English, and think creatively and critically. One night, the question was "If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?" Examples of answers were: Brazil to see good soccer; England to see the Queen's palace and how they live; China to see what they eat; South Africa to see the ocean and Nelson Mandela; America to see how they make tall buildings; America to learn how to make Malawi better; Mars to see what is there! We hope that these dreams will be fulfilled and each boy will get to travel and experience different parts of the world -- maybe even Mars!. At times, Moffat asks them what they would invent, if they could invent anything in the world. It is such a joy hearing their answers, which are many times inspirational and revealing.

Two of the most important words that we teach the boys are PREPARATION the night before and IMPLEMENTATION the day of. As you can imagine with this many boys, we have to have a system to make sure that our early mornings (up at 5a.m., leave for school at 6:15) are not chaotic. It is a challenge to make sure that everyone is "truly" prepared for the next day, but most of the time, things go smoothly.

The following are updates of our boys, as well as others that we (you) have supported through the years.

One of our success stories is Andrew Jethro, whom we have supported through high school. He came to us four years ago asking if we could help him with school fees. He was wearing flip flops and basically all he had were the clothes on his back. We knew that he was a responsible boy, with no parental care and felt in our hearts that he would do well. So, after encouraging him and then supporting him through school, he scored some of the highest marks in the country on his end of school exam! He has now passed entrance examinations to the College of Accountancy. He is gifted in math and would like to be an accountant. Even though the college fees seem high, (app. $3,000 a year), we believe that if given this opportunity he cannot only achieve great things for himself, but help others in the future.

Another success is Precious Lungu. He was an assistant to Nancy and Tim who taught photography to the students at Camp Malawi 2008. He captured the idea and has utilized all he learned to set up a part-time business (one of the outcomes that we had hoped for). He is now in his second year of college and earning his own spending money through the photography AND he has an edge on the market with a digital camera (few are in the country) and the skills that he learned directly from Tim and Nancy.

Ida, one of the girls that we helped to achieve a high school education, has finished the first level of Rural and Community Development. She hopes to utilize the skills that she has learned to help people in the villages have a higher quality of life, as well as be an example to other girls.

Everyone who comes to Malawi and meets Uledi is struck by his charisma, passion and sense of humor. He is also doing great in his second year of college and has been elected Public Relations officer of the Public Speaking Club; Marketing Manager for the Newspaper; Chairman of the Drama Club and member of the choir. His goal is to be a lawyer and is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Rural and Community Development.

Eston, whose goal is to do medical research and Happy, hoping to be a pilot, are attending their sophomore year at Vipya Private School in Mzuzu and are especially doing well in the area of science.

Humphrey and Hamilton are sophomores at Bambino School in Lilongwe, studying Cambridge International Curriculum, which means their high school diploma will be from Cambridge University in England. This will give them many options regarding Higher Education. Hamilton continues to say he will be a President (still uncertain of exactly what, but is capable of being THE President, as he has natural leadership skills). Humphrey hopes to pursue a medical degree.

Harrison is a sophomore at Wukani Educational Facility in Mzuzu and seems to have musical abilities.

David (scientist), Benson (engineer), and Raphael (teacher) are 8th graders at Wukani and are typical siblings that compete with each other in a "brotherly love" sort of way.

Eli(preacher) is doing well as an 8th grader at Kande Primary School in Kande in the village along the lake.

Stanley remains the one everyone enjoys because of his great sense of humor. He is a 7th grader at Kande.

Adamson, who is also a natural leader, continues to struggle in academics because of a learning disability. He is a 6th grader at Kande.

We are now in the process of constructing a Youth/MultiPurpose building. It will be used for classes, seminars and rallys that will enable youth and adults learn skills in leadership, healthy lifestyles and prevention.

There are additional girls and boys that we continue to assist in getting an education that we know will make a difference. Without your assistance, we would not be able to sustain the school fees, building project and other feeding projects for younger children. It is your generosity and willingness to help that encourages us to continue to do what we can to make a difference in the world through these young people in Malawi. Words can't say enough about how much we appreciate it.

BENSON - by Nancy Chuang

2009-02-17T03:45:27Z

The first thing that struck me about Benson was his desire for affection, but his simultaneous need to hide that desire. Rosemary warned us in advance that Malawi doesn't have a huggy culture, but immediately upon introduction Benson began leaning against me or putting his arm around my shoulders—all the while studiously avoiding eye contact. Unsmiling and serious most of the time, he would gamely chuckle when I made a joke—whether he understood it or not. And when the times to hug arose, he hugged so hard.

We arrived the first evening at Pastor Peter's in near-silence. Hoping to break the ice, I offered him the opportunity to play with my camera.

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Benson controlling the model shoot.
...and the resulting close-up photo.He had an instant affinity for it, especially of extreme close-ups, and throughout the week we spent together in Kande Beach and Mzuzu, he frequently asked to take more photos. He was quite comfortable with the technology, switching easily between my camera and the one he was assigned for the Camp Malawi photo class.

During the village portion of Camp Malawi, the attendees were younger and the We Are One boys served as helpers. Rubina and I taught a health class, but when it turned out the children barely spoke English, I was reduced to standing by—they didn't need two people talking at them in a foreign langage.

To my delight, Benson stepped up and translated the lessons into Tonga. Savvy and mature, he never once asked for clarification when explaining how to keep various internal organs healthy, nor did he crack a smile when the children giggled over the word "sex" in the HIV discussion. Moffat observed the class for a few minutes, but Benson was not fazed in the slightest by his presence—I couldn't have been prouder.

Rare shot of Benson smiling!

His English comprehension and enunciation needs improvement. But his intelligence and willingness to work towards his goals is undeniable. Because of his natural abilities during the health class, I assumed he had some interest in teaching, but he was quite clear in his goal to be an engineer.

One of the thinner, smaller boys, Benson is an insatiable eater...perhaps hoping to catch up to his growing brothers. This might also indicate his desire to catch up academically with the boys in Mzuzu. Rosemary has confirmed his high performance on exams this past year, which leads me to believe he may be positioning himself for the next scholarship. He was quite comfortable in the Wukani School and looking forward to getting there himself someday. I look forward to following his progress.

Helping Rubina translate the health lessons...like a pro.

HARRISON - by Andrew Longstreth

2008-11-28T14:37:25Z

I knew about Harrison's reputation as a gifted but stubbornly independent student before we met. Rosemarie told me he had the respect of his classmates—adorably, they called him a "genius"—but that he routinely disobeyed his teachers. I was intrigued. Making things even more interesting: Harrison was a leading candidate for enrollment at Wukani, a well-regarded school in Mzuzu. There were two spots open to the We Are One boys who went to school in the village of Kande Beach. If the criteria were just academic performance, Harrison would be a lock for Wukani. He was tops in his class. But Harrison's behavior was a concern. A decision regarding Harrison's fate, I was told, was imminent.

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Harrison at Pastor Peter's house
Andrew & Harrison at Rosemary's home in MzuzuWhen we finally met, his intellect and his independent streak were apparent to me right away. He was curious. What did New York look like? What sports did I play? What did I do for living? He had ambition, too. He told me he wanted to be a lawyer. I was struck that he made a point to tell me that during the last term at the village school, he was first in his class. To me, it was a good sign that school success mattered to him.

At the same time, I could also tell that Harrison didn't have the sunny disposition that some of the other boys had or natural leadership instincts. Harrison is blessed with ability but it seemed to me he is a boy still trying to find his identity. He's not a follower—which is good, especially in a country where there are too many. But it strikes me that he needs to find an outlet for his independence. Right now, he expresses it by not doing what he's told in school.

Which brings me to the moment when Harrison was told that he was not among the two boys chosen to go to Wukani. He cried, naturally. He had been the front-runner for Wukani—all his friends thought he'd be chosen. But he was told that he needed to improve his attitude. Like anyone who experiences rejection for the first time, he thought the world was coming to an end. I felt awful, too. I had known him for less than 48 hours, but my heart sunk with disappointment. I thought that Wukani might be just the environment he needed to grow and mature.

But after a good night's sleep, Harrison was in high spirits again. Despite not being chosen for Wukani, he kept a positive attitude throughout Camp Malawi, participating in all the activities and helping me out. I hope that not being chosen was a good lesson for Harrison. It certainly gave him the opportunity to take instruction and learn that nothing worthwhile comes easy. I'm so happy that he has the people of We Are One in his corner.

Andrew lent his camera to Harrison, resulting in some great portraits of his brothers:

HAPPY & RAPHAEL - by Kip Myers

2008-10-16T14:21:01Z

I was lucky enough to be buddies with two of the boys during our time in Malawi. At first, I was worried about being able to spend enough time with both boys equally. However, I soon found out that they balance each other. They fill each other's voids. When I couldn't quite hear or understand what Raphael was saying, Happy would repeat it to me with enthusiasm and clarity. When Happy was down or in an appearant funk, I would catch Raphael whispering in his ear to cheer him up.

]]> Both of these boys are full of charisma, determination, drive and an overall joy for doing what is right. It was such an honor to be part of their daily activities during this time. Here is brief summary of what I learned about them and an update on their lives:

Happy is always smiling. He looks forward to mentoring Raphael.

Raphael just hours before finding out he would be attending Wukani.

HAPPY — He is beginning his second year at Wukani School. He has exceeded all expectations in grades, behavior and maturity. He is incredibly responsible and enjoys football and reading.

He has a very serious face, but once he starts talking — the smiles, the laughter and the jokes come bubbling out. He has taken Raphael under his wing and is mentoring him as he adjusts to his new school and home in Mzuzu.

RAPHAEL — He has been number one in his class at the village for the past year. The boys call him "a genius". After careful deliberation, Rosemary and Moffat decided that this September was the right time to enroll him at Wukani. He is a very shy boy, but once you ask him a question and look him in the eye, he answers with sincerity and confidence. He is still searching for his voice and his identity. The Wukani School will be the catalyst to motivate and mature these characteristics.

Back from Malawi

2008-10-01T13:30:03Z

Handing out backpacks to my homeroom

I am still processing the trip to Malawi. Part of me still cannot believe that we actually pulled it off. It still is a memory that seems artificial — even with the photos, videos and stories. To have this idea of a camp in a small African country thousands of miles away and then to follow through is an accomplishment.

The friends who participated in Camp Malawi really blew me away. Without their dedication, this would have never happened. None of us are teachers and yet when we arrived each morning in the classroom and became just that.

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Riding Malawi's roads in our rented van.

I remember at the end of each camp day thinking, "Teaching is the most underrated, overworked and unappreciated profession in the world!". I had heard that, but really didn't believe it. Now I believe it. It takes so much energy to stand up in front of a group of students and convey a message and lesson. That is one thing that I was not prepared for.

The Blue Hippos excitedly examine their backpacks.

My greatest memory from the trip was when we gave out the backpacks to the kids in homeroom on the last day. I really felt like Oprah — "You get a new backpack! You get a new backpack! Everybody gets a new backpack!!" The reaction from the kids was unbelievable. They were jumping up and down and screaming and hugging. One kid yelled "God Bless You!" It was very moving and very humbling. The kids were so appreciative and thankful. We learned so much from them.

I'm still adjusting back to NYC pace of life. It's strange to try to program myself back and to plug away in our over-materialized society full of very other priorities.

I really respect my mom even more now because it must be incredibly difficult to live life straddling between two cultures — not really able to call either one "home".

Sunrise in Kande Beach, near the WAO Academy.

Camp Malawi - Thank you, EVERYONE!

2008-09-24T04:03:41Z

In Lilongwe

Moffat and I are thrilled and awed at what has happened through Camp Malawi. Our friends from America have touched the lives of so many here and have impacted many children in a way they will never forget.

We are constantly getting positive feedback from the children, teachers and other adults about how grateful they are for everything that was done at Camp Malawi.]]>

First-time teacher Kip teaches Leadership/Ethics while Wukani principal Hosea listens in.

Mrs. Mwase, the owner of Wukani Educational Facility, has shared how they have used the globe and sports equipment and how much the backpacks were appreciated by the students and their families. She said that everyone there has been motivated to rise to another level of education because of the role-modeling of the Americans.

Being an educator myself, I was amazed at how natural all of the "non-teachers" were. They did such an excellent job of sharing their passion and creating activities where true lifelong learning could take place.

Rosemary and Moffat at the beautiful Victory Christian Temple—designed by Moffat himself!

Moffat shared, "Many groups come to Malawi to give donations or help through medical or other ways. This is the first group that I know of who came to give of themselves, to create a learning environment for our children who now have an opportunity to become effective leaders of our country. We are thankful for them and their commitment to WE ARE ONE."

HUMPHREY - by Ashley Huff

2008-09-10T15:47:24Z

Upon meeting Humphrey you immediately recognize his sweet and genuine spirit. He has a concern and sensitivity for others that is expressed through his conversations and actions.

As Humphrey and I got to know one another it was amazing to me how much effort he put into better understanding me and my life in the United States. I was struck by how thoughtful his questions were as he asked about my job, what I like to do, and what I thought was the most different between Malawi and the U.S. He had clearly thought about how he could better know me and my life.

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Humphrey and good friend Hamilton

Joshua helps Humphrey with his new tie.

One of the things that made his interest apparent was when he wrote me a note to thank me for visiting and to wish me well as I went home. Not only did he tell me he hoped the best for me when I returned to America but he told me he wished me well when I returned to my niece. This may seem insignificant but to me it spoke of how he had listened and taken the time to get to know me and what was important to me.

It is this compassion that has allowed him to develop trusting relationships with his friends and others along his journey. I am excited to watch as Humphrey continues to develop as he prepares for his future. Currently Humphrey wants to be a pastor and looks to Pastor Moffat as a model for leadership. Humphrey spoke about Pastor Moffat during a speech given on the topic of leadership. He recognized Moffat's skills in public speaking and even modeled some of his behaviors by being the first in his class to step in front of the desk and show confidence as he approached his audience!

It is so exciting to see a person's passions and abilities come together to create the opportunity for success and leadership!

Ashley lent her camera to Humphrey so he could show her some important aspects
of his environment in Malawi:

Off to Wukani

2007-12-02T10:04:27Z

As many of you know, in September we sent Eston, Happy, Hamilton and Humphrey to a private school in Mzuzu called the Wukani School. There, they now receive a much higher standard of education. Rather than being intimidated by living in the big city for the first time, we are so proud to say that they are still excelling. In fact, Eston is still #1 in his class!

In this photo taken by Rosemary, the boys are joined by ESF student Uledi Banda.

From left: Uledi, Eston, Happy, Hamilton, Humphrey

Last day of school

2007-11-20T10:01:58Z

A couple of photos sent by Rosemary from the boys' last day at school. In the first one, Eston is being congratulated for being at the top of his class.